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The SPCA of Tompkins County is caring for a two- year- old German shepherd mix who was shot in the head last week, left in her yard overnight, and seized by the Tompkins County Sherriff's department and the SPCA after a report by a neighbor early Thursday morning.

"This is a terrible crime," says SPCA executive director Jim Bouderau. "It breaks our hearts, but now our entire focus is on Lillie's care. She is currently in stable condition and responding well.  We anticipate that she will need several more surgeries including the repair of a wound to her soft palate as well as the removal of one (potentially two) of her eyes due to the trauma caused by the gunshot wound. While these additional surgeries present their own inherent risk in her weakened condition, we are optimistic that she will recover.  We do not know the long term effects of her injuries at this point, and are continuing to work with our own team of veterinarians from the Maddies Fund Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell as well as specialists from the Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital to work through the process of her treatment and ongoing care. Tompkins County police have charged Jeffrey M. Wood of Meadowbrook Lane in Newfield with felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals after he allegedly shot Lillie in the head twice with a .22 caliber long gun and report that further charges are possible."

"The Tompkins County Sherriff's department is heading up the legal action," Bouderau adds. "Our main concern now is for Lillie's care and recovery. It will be weeks, or even months, before she will recover. The cost of her surgeries and care are estimated at roughly $5,000 at this time. Members of the community have already stepped forward to ask how they can help. Supporters can make a donation to our Angel Fund for medical emergencies, which we use for situations like these."

Bouderau says Lillie is a sweet dog who wags her tail when SPCA staff visit with her. She is a bit confused and is still in rough shape, but with the outstanding care that the Cornell Animal Hospital and the Shelter Medicine veterinarians can provide, and lots of love.  SPCA workers say they hope that she will eventually recover.  They are asking for donations to cover Lillie's medical costs.

Wood is scheduled to appear 1 p.m. Thursday at the Town of Newfield Court.  SPCA officials say they encourage members of the community who are outraged by the incident to voice their concerns to Newfield town officials.

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